Some weeks back I posted a thread about how I was thinking about kitbashing a Bachman On30 caboose into something more appropriate for the prototype I model. It all began when I noticed certian similarities in size and shape to a picture of a C&S caboose from last year’s summer vacation snaps. I thought I might share how things are going, and due to the scope of the project I’m breaking this up into sections.
I apologize for the quality of the photos. My digital camera doesn’t do close up photography. So I have to rely on the digital zoom application of my photo software. It leaves a lot to be desired. First, here is the prototype:
To start the project I completely disassembled the caboose. I carefully cut out the caboose’s side above the front window. Trim and file the removed piece of siding for use as a plug to close up the second window on each side. Carefull alignment of the siding and a little modeler’s putty and you can come up with a fit that’s almost invisible.
Adopt a similar process on the caboose roof, where the cupola must be relocated to the rear of the caboose. Cut out a piece of the roof at the back of appropriate size, and use it to seal up the hole in the middle. Here’s a view of the modified roof from the bottom:
And here’s a view from the top:
Widen the front window opening sufficient to install new window castings from Grandt Line set #52 - C&S caboose window and door set. Add a frieze board from scrap styrene to fill the gap between the top of the window and the roof line.